Builders of the nation
ARCHITECTURE is the mastery of designing buildings or physical structures from the most fundamental phase of project conceptualisation to seeing these designs come to life through construction.
It is the knowledge and skills that combine art (design) and science (construction).
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) is one of the few institutions in the country that offers architecture programmes via its Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE).
Students who undergo this programme can be employed as assistant architects for design activities and as executive and/or managerial level personnel in architectural practices.
Poh Su Ann, who graduated last year with the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons) at TAR UC, is now working as an assistant architect in a private firm in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
As a student, she participated in three competitions, including the Bamiyan Cultural Centre Design Competition by Unesco and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Annual Architecture Student Works Exhibition 2014, where her team was champion for the Best Booth Design and Display.
The third is the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) Bench Design Competition 2015 by MMC Gamuda, where her team and other TAR UC teams won six consolation prizes out of 21 prizes.
As an aspiring architect, Poh says, “The faculty gives the students a lot of flexibility to explore their designs, using various kinds of equipment such as the laser cutter and 3D printers as well as workshops, which are available in TAR UC.”
On the activities conducted by FEBE for architecture students, Poh explains, “It is the norm that in every design studio subject, which is a core subject, we do mini projects, building and urban designs. Students also go on field trips to carry out site analysis and studies on local grounds as well as overseas.
“I had the opportunity to visit Seoul, South Korea, during the final semester of my bachelor’s degree programme. It was an invaluable experience and great exposure.”
“One of the perks of being an architecture student is that you own your own studio. We spent most of the time in the studio having lectures and working on our assignments and models,” says Poh.
Poh has advice for those who wish to embark on the architecture programme at TARUC.
“The knowledge and coverage of architectural studies is wide. There are different skill sets and styles involved in good architecture,” she says.
“If you are interested in construction details or landscaping, be the best at it. Be focused on what you want to achieve, don’t compromise and always seek a mentor’s advice and go for it.”
To find out more on the architecture or other programmes offered by FEBE, visit TAR UC Kuala Lumpur Main Campus or any of its branch campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah during its ongoing Open Days from 9am to 5pm till April 2.
Scholarships are also available at TAR UC for qualified students based on academic merit.
For more information, visit www.tarc.edu.my.